Dining With the Stars

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Johnny Nicholas's Hill Top Cafe

Grammy Award-winner Johnny Nicholas (formerly of Texas swing band Asleep at the Wheel) owns this little white-painted wooden restaurant and music venue “inconveniently located in the middle of nowhere.” (Uh, that means near Doss, Texas―100 miles west of Austin.) Christmas lights and old neon signs light the interior, where some of the memorabilia on the walls (tin beer and petroleum signs) dates back to 1929. The schizophrenic menu jumps from Greek to Cajun to comfort foods―Mediterranean olives, seafood boudin, and chicken-fried steak blend together surprisingly well.What To Order: “T for 1” Greek’s Special Tenderloin marinated with olive oil, garlic, and black pepperSL Tip: So popular on weekends, you’ll need reservations. Or come early (at 5 p.m.) or late (at 8:30 p.m.).